Verdant Oasis Cooler
The Verdant Oasis Cooler is a sophisticated and supremely refreshing non-alcoholic beverage. It balances the earthy, slightly bitter notes of green tea with the coolness of fresh cucumber and the aromatic lift of mint. A touch of lime juice adds a bright, citrusy acidity, while agave nectar provides just enough sweetness to round out the flavors, all topped with a light effervescence from sparkling water.
Preparation
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
This beverage is classified as both a non-alcoholic mocktail and a tea drink, built upon a base of brewed green tea. It falls into the refreshing category, making it an ideal choice for warm weather or when seeking a revitalizing drink.
Serving
This drink is served cold in a tall Highball glass filled with ice, making for a substantial and refreshing serving. It is entirely alcohol-free.
Serving size
Approx. 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This recipe was inspired by the tranquil atmosphere of Japanese gardens and the rejuvenating qualities of a spa day. The goal was to create a drink that not only quenches thirst but also calms the mind and invigorates the senses. It combines the wellness traditions of green tea with the crisp, clean flavors of a modern mocktail.
Origin
Modern mocktail culture, circa 21st century.
Verdant Oasis Cooler
The drink is aptly named "Verdant Oasis Cooler" for its refreshing green qualities. Alternative names like "Green Tea Cucumber Mint Cooler" are more descriptive of its core ingredients, while "Zen Garden Refresher" evokes the calm and balanced nature of its flavor profile.
Original name
Verdant Oasis Cooler
Alternative names
- Green Tea Cucumber Mint Cooler
- Zen Garden Refresher
Characteristics overview
This cooler offers a delightfully refreshing flavor profile, with herbal and vegetal notes from mint and cucumber, balanced by a light sweetness and citrus tang. Its aroma is fresh and clean, leading to a crisp, effervescent texture on the palate.
Flavor
refreshing, herbal, vegetal, citrusy, subtly sweet
Aroma
fresh mint, cucumber, green tea, lime
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
lightly sparkling
Color appearance
pale green, clear, bubbly
Texture
light, crisp, effervescent
Seasonality
refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is moderately intense, with a refreshing balance between sourness and subtle sweetness, minimal bitterness, and a crisp fizziness. It is a light and clean-tasting beverage with no alcohol.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a base of chilled green tea combined with fresh cucumber, mint, lime juice, and a sweetener like agave. The drink is finished with a top of sparkling water for a light fizz.
- Green Tea150 ml / 5 ozBrewed strong and chilled. Sencha or Jasmine green tea works well.
- Cucumber4-5 thin slicesMuddled to release juice and aroma. Plus extra for garnish.
- Fresh Mint Leaves8-10 leavesGently muddled. Plus a sprig for garnish.
- Fresh Lime Juice20 ml / 0.75 ozFreshly squeezed is best for flavor.
- Agave Nectar15 ml / 0.5 ozAdjust to taste. Simple syrup can be substituted.
- Sparkling WaterTop up (approx. 60 ml / 2 oz)Chilled. Club soda or tonic water can also be used.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a muddler to release the flavors of the fresh ingredients and a cocktail shaker to combine and chill everything effectively. A strainer ensures a smooth, pulp-free final drink.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
- Muddler for pressing cucumber and mint.
- Fine-mesh strainer for pouring into the glass.
Instructions
The process involves muddling fresh ingredients, shaking them with tea and sweetener, and then straining into an iced glass before topping with sparkling water. It's a straightforward shaking and building method.
1. Prepare the tea: Brew one green tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf) in hot water for 3-4 minutes. Remove the tea and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
2. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves to release their flavors.
3. Add the chilled green tea, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice, close it securely, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Prepare the glass: Place a long cucumber ribbon inside a chilled Highball glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes.
6. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass to remove small bits of mint and cucumber.
7. Top up the glass with chilled sparkling water.
8. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig before serving.
Garnishing
An elegant cucumber ribbon inside the glass and a fresh sprig of mint are used to garnish, enhancing both the visual appeal and the fresh aroma of the cooler.
- Cucumber ribbon placed inside the glass.
- Fresh mint sprig placed at the top.
Dietary Information
This drink is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. It contains caffeine from the green tea but can be made fully vegan by using agave or simple syrup.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a low-calorie beverage, containing minimal carbohydrates and sugars, primarily from the sweetener and lime juice. It's a light and healthy alternative to sugary sodas or alcoholic cocktails.
Calories
Averagely 50-70 kcal / 209-293 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approx. 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approx. 10-13 g
Sugar level
Occasions
Perfect for any occasion that calls for a sophisticated, non-alcoholic option. It's an excellent choice for summer parties, brunches, or simply as a refreshing treat on a relaxing afternoon.
- Summer Party
- Brunch
- Relaxing Afternoon
- Spa Day
Pairing suggestions
Its clean and refreshing flavor profile makes it a versatile companion for light and fresh dishes. It pairs wonderfully with salads, seafood like sushi, and gently seasoned grilled fare, cleansing the palate between bites.
- Light salads
- Sushi and sashimi
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Fresh fruit platters
Verdant Oasis Cooler: A Refreshing Escape
The Verdant Oasis Cooler is an elegant and invigorating non-alcoholic tea drink. Its blend of green tea, cucumber, mint, and lime creates a perfectly balanced flavor that is both complex and incredibly refreshing. Easy to prepare, it serves as a sophisticated option for guests who are abstaining from alcohol or anyone looking for a delicious, healthy beverage to enjoy on a warm day.
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